Another video game adaptation on the Australian Football League (or AFL for short, or "Footy" for the Australian slang) is currently in development and will be released next year.
According to sources from the Australian newsfeed, the game called "AFL Evolution" is being developed by Wicked Witch Software along with with licensee Tru Blu Entertainment. Tru Blu was also responsible for producing the most recent major AFL video game "AFL Live 2" back in 2013.
Actual players from all the AFL Clubs have participated in the development of the game, especially during the photo shoots for the upcoming Australian sports game. However, the press release from the developers claimed that the "the best male players" will be mostly featured.
"It's no secret that the youth market is highly engaged with a variety of digital brands and properties," according to AFL general manager of commercial operations Darren Birch. "So for some time the AFL has identified a need to create a new video game as another entertainment property for footy fans."
"AFL Evolution will deliver a unique experience for footy fans, taking them to the heart of the action in a virtual footy world," he added. "The AFL is dedicated to supporting Tru Blu Entertainment and Wicked Witch Software in creating a game that is fun to play for AFL fans and keen gamers alike."
Fans are also given the chance to vote for the AFL website's cover star. Contenders for the spot include up-and-coming stars such as Marcus Bontempelli, Isaac Heeney and Tom Lynch.
Tru Blu Entertainment's Managing Director Sebastian Giompaolo had this to say: "We are extremely proud to be releasing another AFL video game. We have produced a number of games across console, PC and mobile platforms and we're determined to make AFL Evolution the most enjoyable AFL video game we have released."
Hopefully this title will be bringing back the AFL sports franchise into the video game industry back to its feet, since lately AFL games aren't as popular as other sports games like FIFA and such.
"AFL Evolution" will be released for next generation consoles PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC Steam in the first half of 2017.